Kenya and Lesotho are the latest African nations to reach bilateral agreements. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Lesotho Prime Minister of Lesotho, Thomas Thabane met at the State House, Nairobi, yesterday to reach the agreement.
The two countries signed three key co-operation deals which have been applauded by socio-political commentators across the globe.
President Uhuru Kenyatta said the agreement was geared towards boosting the bilateral and political co-operation between the two countries.
As part of the agreement, both countries will establish a Joint Commission for Co-operation (JCC), a memorandum of understanding for bilateral consultations, and a memorandum of understanding in sports.
To make the agreement mutually beneficial, the Lesotho Prime Minister has promised to endorse Kenya’s bid to get a seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
"Your endorsement of Kenya as the Africa Union's candidate for the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2021-22 term is an affirmation of the strong bilateral relations that exist between our two sister countries.
"We recognize the Kingdom of Lesotho has deployed technology, utilized branding and market positioning to develop one of the best textile industries in Africa", President Uhuru said.
Thabane praised Uhuru for being "friendly and generous".
"My dear brother, you know it was a natural thing for me to come here and you knew it was a matter of time before I come and that time has come, it has happened ... I know you to be a good man, and I encourage you to be a good man. I know you to be a generous person," he said as he beamed with smiles.
"I know you to be my friend, and I want you to continue being my friend. I know that your dear wife is a friend to my wife. Therefore, there is no problem going out and leaving them somewhere together when we have to."
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane is in Kenya on a three-day state visit. He was received at by President Uhuru in a ceremony that included a guard of hon mounted by a detachment of the Kenya Army, and a 19-gun salute.
Uhuru said Kenya is keen to learn about developing the textile sector from Lesotho as the country implements its Big 4 Agenda.
Lesotho has one of the most vibrant textile sectors in Africa, with a growing share of the global apparel market.
Header Image Credit: PSCU